Skating Family grieving the loss of Chief Operating Officer Bethany Tory

OTTAWA, ON: Skate Canada is in mourning after the passing of Bethany Tory. Bethany had been Skate Canada’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) since November 2013 and was a critical member of the executive team. She leaves behind her husband Graham and two young sons.

Bethany passed away suddenly on Tuesday at age 44 after experiencing complications from a minor surgery. She had a lifelong passion for skating with a tremendous desire for life and a positive energy that was infectious.

“We are in shock by the sudden passing of our colleague and friend Bethany. There are no words that can describe the sadness felt by everyone who knew her,” said Dan Thompson, Skate Canada CEO. “During her time with Skate Canada, Bethany changed our culture and helped streamline our priorities. Her open communication and belief in alignment and collaboration has helped all of us change how we think in so many ways. Bethany’s contribution will not be forgotten.”

The entire skating family grieves in the loss of a wonderful life but will find the strength to celebrate her legacy and the positive impact she made to Skate Canada.

A Memorial Service will be held at Cedarview Alliance Church (2784 Cedarview Rd, Nepean, ON K2J 4J2) on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends and colleagues in the church reception hall from 1:30-4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred for the Queensway Carleton Hospital and/or the New Beginnings Pet Rescue. A full length notice will appear in Friday’s Ottawa Citizen.

Skate Canada wishes to express the most sincere sympathies to Bethany’s family and friends.